HDTV is Everywhere. Now It's Time to Bring It Home!
It's here. It's now. It looks and sounds better than anything you've ever
experienced, and there's no need to wait. Don't be afraid—bringing home the HDTV
experience is easier than you think. As of May 2003, more than 1,000 stations
were on the air with DTV (digital television) signals, and every major market
was served by at least one DTV station . Soon, all TV will be DTV: the FCC has
set a target date of February 17, 2009 for the transition to be complete, and for
the switch to be turned off on all analog broadcasting.
You can also see awesome HD content on progressive
scan DVD players. While they don't display true high-definition content, they do
provide (when connected to an HDTV) a
noticeably clearer, sharper picture than standard players ever could.
However, if you can afford the early releases, Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, and
Combination-Player formats are
now available to the public. Don't worry, for if you purchase one of these
amazing players, you can still play the old standard definition DVDs. Blu-Ray
and HD-DVD players not only offer high definition video, but also add an improved
sound level, 7.1 surround sound.
First, You Need an HDTV
 You won't have to look far to find a wide selection of HDTV's. Electronics
stores are fully stocked and prices have dropped significantly over the past
couple of years.
The three common types of HDTVs are, Plasma & LCD flat screens, Rear-Projection
and CRT (tube televisions) — each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
But just because it's a plasma doesn't mean it's HDTV. To display a High
Definition signal, a television must meet the following criteria:
- Displays 1080i or 720p horizontal lines of resolution
- New improved LCDs and Plasmas are offered at
1080p
- Displays in “widescreen” format such as 16:9
- Has a built in HDTV "tuner" or "receiver", or be "HD Ready" — If HD
Ready, you will receive a tuner from your Cable/Satellite provider or you
can buy one separately.
So what’s the difference between an HDTV and HDTV monitor? Simple: there’s no
built-in sound system or receiver/decoder in the latter (you get those from your
service provider and/or retailer).
Then You Need Service: Cable, Satellite or Antenna
 HDTV comes into your house via three ways: cable, satellite or
with an antenna on your roof, just like regular TV. It’s becoming increasingly
available throughout the country, so the first place to look is your current
provider, or the local Yellow Pages: look under ‘CABLE TV’ or type that into
your regional online directory. DirecTV and ATT Dish Network are two of the more
popular providers, but there are plenty of others to choose from. Also, if you
don’t have an “integrated” HDTV (with the receiver built in), your provider will
usually provide a set-top box for a small additional fee or subscription
contract.
To Get The High Definition Experience, You Need the
Right Cables
High definition video signals cannot be passed through all video cables. For the
highest quality HDTV video, we use Monster brand HDMI, or Component Video cables to
connect your high definition video components. Keep in mind when using a
component video cable, you will also need to run a RCA composite analog cable
from the HD broadcast source to your television; otherwise just use the HDMI
connection to carry both the HD and digital audio to your television. If
you decide to connect your HD broadcast source to a surround sound system, it's
then best to go digital to your a/v receiver. Going digital will provide
all the broadcasted audio channels in one cable (HDMI, Fiber Optical, or Digital
Coaxial).
 It is also true that you cannot experience high resolution surround sound audio
without the right connections. For superior Dolby Digital®, DTS®, THX®, and SACD/DVD-Audio
surround sound, use Monster High Resolution Audio Cables.
Power quality can also affect your high definition picture and sound. Plus, your
Home Theater electronics may be damaged or destroyed by voltage spikes and
lightning. Our installers will provide you with information on how to protect your
components from surges, spikes and noise for a cleaner sound and fewer video
artifacts.
How to Connect It All
OK, so you’ve done your homework, bought your gear and carefully placed it in
the living room. The last thing you need to do is connect it all and enjoy. And
to show you how to do it, there’s no better resource than our own professional
installers. However, if you do have trouble knowing where and what to
purchase for that ultimate experience, our installers can also assist you in
your shopping for the latest electronics and we will also work within your
budget and do some shop around on your behalf.
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